Cognitive epigenetic priming: leveraging histone acetylation for memory amelioration

Multiple studies have found that increasing histone acetylation by means of deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) treatment can ameliorate memory and rescue cognitive impairments, but their mode action is not fully understood. In particular, it unclear how HDACis, applied systemically devoid genomic target selectivity, would specifically improve memory-related molecular processes. One theory for such specificity called epigenetic priming (CEP), according to which HDACis promote facilitating the expression neuroplasticity-related genes been stimulated learning itself. this review, we summarize experimental evidence in support CEP, describe newly discovered off-target effects highlight similarities between drug-induced naturally occurring CEP. Understanding underlying mechanisms CEP important light preclinical premise as enhancers.